Henrik Pedersen gives update on Iké Ugbo's Sheffield Wednesday future ahead of summer rebuild
Manager Henrik Pedersen has said the door remains open for Iké Ugbo to try and resurrect his Sheffield Wednesday career as game time becomes remains limited for the striker.
After failing to make it off the bench in last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Hull City at the MKM Stadium, Ugbo has now featured in just one of the Owls’ last six Championship matches, storing a paltry minute under his belt in the 2-1 defeat to Derby County almost three weeks ago.
Making just three appearances since Christmas due to a hamstring injury and since finding himself out of favour, Ugbo’s future at Hillsborough has been plunged into serious doubt amid the likelihood of a squad rebuild coming to fruition this summer as the club prepares for life back in League One.
Ugbo joined Wednesday on a permanent deal in August 2024 after a successful loan spell at Hillsborough in the second half of the 2023/24 season, helping the Owls successfully avoid an immediate return to League One. He scored seven goals in 18 appearances to help Wednesday beat the drop by three points.
Having made such a significant contribution during his loan spell in S6, Wednesday signed Ugbo on a permanent deal right before the start of the 2024/25 season, landing him from French club Troyes on a long-term deal. However, he has scored just two goals since becoming a permanent Wednesday player with both coming in the Carabao Cup.
Without a league goal to his name in almost two years, a number of supporters have lost patience with the former Chelsea man, who was the subject of interest in the winter transfer window, and have called for him to be offloaded this summer. Although nothing can be guaranteed about the long-term future of any Wednesday player ahead of what is set to be a busy summer, Pedersen has insisted Ugbo is getting the support he needs to try and get his career back on track.
Pedersen told The Star: “Yes, we are doing all that we can to support and help, and he works what he can. So, let's see.
“We have to use the last seven games to do it as good as possible for him. So, yes, let’s see.”
Asked if the 27-year-old could be part of his plans next season in the event of him turning his fortunes around, Pedersen added: “Yes, we will use all the players we have in the squad; also Iké.”
According to documents seen by The Star earlier this month, Wednesday still owe nearly £2million on Ugbo. He is under contract at Hillsborough until June 2028.